I have the Taylo Reference Monitors with the stands that are made to match them. They replaced a pair of B&W CDM1-NT speakers with heavy duty ($300) Target stands. The Taylos on the matching stands absolutely blew away the B&Ws. Absolutely no contest.
Interesting thing was that the Taylos sound much better on their matching stands (unfilled) than they do on the sand filled Target stands. Everything opened up when I placed them on Ty's stands. I don't know why this is exactly, but I suspect it has something to do with the top plate of the Target stands being much smaller than the speakers. Regardless, going with the stands is a no-brainer, imo. I can't imagine getting anywhere near the performance without spending significantly more money, but with the stands I doubt you'll even consider searching to replace them.
Interesting thing was that the Taylos sound much better on their matching stands (unfilled) than they do on the sand filled Target stands. Everything opened up when I placed them on Ty's stands. I don't know why this is exactly, but I suspect it has something to do with the top plate of the Target stands being much smaller than the speakers. Regardless, going with the stands is a no-brainer, imo. I can't imagine getting anywhere near the performance without spending significantly more money, but with the stands I doubt you'll even consider searching to replace them.